Circus Training Session

Duration: ~2 hours

Stations: Spinning Plates | Diabolo | Juggling | Circus Bits (scarves, wiggly pets, magic rings, acrobat poi)

Group Split: Divide children into the same number of groups as staff. Each group rotates through every station.

1) Setup Before the Session

• Equipment:

  • Place each type of equipment at its station with spares (avoid waiting time).

  • Mark out safe zones (cones, tape, or chalk) for each activity.

• Rotation Plan:

  • 4 stations → each rotation ~20 minutes.

  • Add 5 mins buffer between rotations for pack down/move.

2) Session Outline

1. Introduction (10 mins)

   • Gather all children.

   • Quick “Circus Warm-Up” (animal walks: elephants, lions, tightrope tiptoes).

   • Explain rotations and emphasise: It’s about fun, not perfection!

2. Rotations (4 x 20 mins = 80 mins)

   • Each group spends 20 minutes at one station.

   • Staff demonstrate first, then let children practice with step-by-step help.

3. Final Showcase (20–25 mins)

   • Bring everyone back together.

   • Each group demonstrates their favourite skill (one quick turn each).

   • Big applause for all!

4. Cool Down & Pack Away (5–10 mins)

   • Stretch arms and wrists.

   • Collect equipment together.

3) Station Instructions

🎭 Station 1 – Spinning Plates

• Demo: Hold the stick upright, spin plate by twisting wrist, then balance.

• Beginner trick: Place plate on stick already spinning, let kids focus on balance.

• Games: Walk across “tightrope line” while keeping plate spinning.

🎭 Station 2 – Diabolo

• Demo: Show how to roll diabolo on string, gentle pull-pull to get spin.

• Beginner trick: Just practice rolling it along the string.

• Challenge: Toss up slightly and catch back on string.

🎭 Station 3 – Juggling

• Balls: Begin with one in each hand, throw right → left, left → right.

• Challenge: Try a three-ball cascade (or two-ball tricks).

• Encourage: Celebrate every successful catch!

🎭 Station 4 – Circus Bits Corner

• Magic Scarves: Pull through hands to change colour magic tric

• Wiggly Pets on String: Demonstrate illusion – move hand up/down to “bring pet alive.”

• Magic Rings: Linking/unlinking trick (basic illusions).

• Acrobat Poi: Show simple swings and figure-eights.

• Free Play: Rotate between props, encourage exploration.

4) Staff Tips

• Safety first: Keep lots of space between children, especially with diabolo and poi.

• Praise effort, not outcome: “Great try!” “That looked awesome!”

• Encourage teamwork: Kids can coach each other.

• Keep pace: Give 5-minute warnings before each rotation ends.

• Adapt: If a child struggles, simplify (e.g., juggling = scarves only).

✅ This format keeps the energy up, ensures every child gets a go, and ends with a circus-style “show” that feels special.